Air India receives its 5th Boeing, names it 'Haryana'

New Delhi, Mar 5 (UNI) National carrier Air India has taken delivery of its fifth Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, and named it 'Haryana'.

The four aircraft received earlier have been named 'Andhra Pradesh', 'Assam', 'Bihar' and 'Gujarat'.

The 238-seater Boeing's unique feature is a nose wheel camera which allows the passenger to see the aircraft taxiing and taking off while he is seated inside, an AI statement said today.

The B777-200LRs are equipped with all modern passenger amenities like flat beds in First and Executive Class and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system offering a wide choice of programmes.

The aircraft will have eight seats in First Class, 35 seats in Executive Class and 195 seats in Economy Class.

In a departure from the conventional fixed meal timings, a passenger travelling First Class will have the facility of convenio service-- meals at times preferred by a passenger.

First Class and Executive Class passengers also receive Pierre Cardin designer nightwear as complimentaries.

Air India had ordered eight Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. The remaining three will be delivered in mid 2009.

Other aircraft that form part of the 68 aircraft order placed in 2005 are 15 B777-300ER, 27 B787 Dreamliners and 18 B737-800.

Apart from the Boeing aircraft, the merged Air India also has 43 Airbus aircraft on order-- 20 A321, 19 A319 and 4 A320 -- 12 of which have already been inducted.

UNI YJ AK HT1548